ACCRA, Ghana, 22nd July: President John Dramani Mahama has called on African leaders to seize the opportunity presented by the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health to accelerate collective action towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and eliminating preventable diseases across the continent.
Addressing Heads of State, policymakers, health experts and development partners at the opening ceremony of the summit in Accra, President Mahama said Africa’s defining challenge today extends beyond poverty and inequality to the persistent burden of diseases and weak health systems that continue to undermine the well-being and productivity of millions of people.
He urged African leaders to champion bold, home-grown solutions that place the continent firmly in control of its health future by strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to quality and affordable medical services, investing in local pharmaceutical production and mobilising sustainable financing for the health sector.
President Mahama stressed that the success of the summit should not be measured solely by declarations and policy commitments, but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Africans.
He said citizens must see better-equipped hospitals and clinics, easier access to essential medicines, timely diagnosis, improved maternal and child healthcare, and stronger health systems capable of responding to future public health challenges.
He expressed optimism that the summit would mark a turning point in Africa’s health agenda, with renewed political commitment to ending AIDS and tuberculosis, improving maternal health, addressing non-communicable and neglected tropical diseases, and advancing equitable, accessible and resilient healthcare systems across the continent.
The African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health brings together African Heads of State and Government, ministers, development partners and health stakeholders to chart a united path towards a healthier, more resilient and prosperous Africa.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭